The association of PD-L1 expression and CD8-positive T cell infiltration rate with the pathological complete response after neoadjuvant treatment in HER2-positive breast cancer
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, cilt.205, sa.1, ss.17-27, 2024 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 205 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2024
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10549-023-07242-1
- Dergi Adı: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.17-27
- Anahtar Kelimeler: HER2+breast cancer, Neoadjuvant therapy, Response, CD8, PD-L1
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: Achieving a pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer patients is the most significant prognostic indicator, suggesting a low risk of recurrence and a survival advantage. This study aims to investigate clinicopathological parameters that can predict the response to neoadjuvant treatment in HER2 + breast cancers and to explore the roles of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), CD8 + T lymphocytes and PD-L1 expression. Methods: This single-centre retrospective study was conducted with 85 HER2-positive breast cancer patients who underwent surgery after receiving neoadjuvant therapy between January 2017 and January 2020. Paraffin blocks from these patients were selected for immunohistochemical studies. Results: A complete pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment was determined in 39 (45.9%) patients. High Ki-67 index (> 30%), moderate to high TIL infiltration, PD-L1 positivity and high CD8 cell count (≥ 25) were significantly associated with pCR in univariate analyses (p: 0.023, 0.025, 0.017 and 0.003, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis identified high Ki-67 index (> 30%) and CD8 cell infiltration as independent predictors for pCR in HER2-positive breast cancer. Conclusions: High Ki-67 index, and high CD8 cell count are strong predictors for pCR in HER2-positive breast cancer. Tumours with high Ki-67 index, high TILs and CD8 infiltration may represent a subgroup where standard therapies are adequate. Conversely, those with low TILs and CD8 infiltration may identify a subgroup where use of novel strategies, including those that increase CD8 infiltration could be applied.